2005 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 319 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 166, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 166 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
